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This Week in History: September 17th - September 23rd

We’re advancing into fall now – where has 2018 gone? Instead of focusing on the here and now, however, it’s time for us to once again delve deep into the annals of history to see what went down years, decades and centuries ago this week. There’s always something interesting to take away – and who knows? We could well be talking about the week to come in future instalments. Strap into the One News Page time machine – here we go!

September 17th, 1972 – M*A*S*H PremieresOne of the most beloved US sitcoms of all time, M*A*S*H managed to evoke laughs and heartbreak from episode to episode amid medical tents in the Vietnam War. The final episode aired is still one of the most-watched TV events in global history, and the show started 46 years ago this week on NBC.Famous Birthday: Anne Bancroft (Actor), 1931 - 2005

September 18th, 1809 – London’s Royal Opera House OpensStill home to world-class ballet, theatre and more besides, London’s ROH was born 209 years ago this week – and it’s been playing strong to thousands of people each night for decades.Famous Birthday: James Gandolfini (Actor), 1961 - 2013

September 19th, 1893 – New Zealand Leads the Way with Women’s RightsBelieve it or not, the very idea of women being eligible to vote has only been around since the 19th century – and it was New Zealand who first brought all women the vote 125 years ago this week, a milestone to be remembered.Famous Birthday: Jimmy Fallon (Comedian / Talk Show Host), 44

September 20th, 2001 – The ‘War on Terror’ BeginsIt’s a term used to define a very particular period of time in US politics, and it was then-US President George W Bush who announced that he would be launching a ‘war on terror’ in light of the attacks upon the World Trade Center on September 11th.Famous Birthday: Sophia Loren (Actor), 84

September 21st, 1937 – ‘The Hobbit’ PublishedThe ‘Lord of the Rings’ series of books and films remain some of the most beloved of all – and JRR Tolkien’s prequel story, The Hobbit, celebrates its 79th birthday this week. It was split into three parts for movies starring Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins.Famous Birthday: Stephen King (Horror Author Extraordinaire), 71

September 22nd, 1994 – ‘Friends’ DebutsYet another huge NBC sitcom celebrates a birthday this week, with Friends – which made stars of its ensemble cast – marking a 24-year milestone this week. The show would inarguably rewrite the rules for US TV sitcoms and its influence can still be felt to this day.Famous Birthday: Andrea Bocelli (Opera Singer), 60

September 23rd, 1889 – Nintendo is Founded – But Not in the Way You’d ExpectNintendo wasn’t always making videogames – the firm has been around since the 19th century, during which time they were marketing playing card games! They started life as Nintendo Koppai, and originally specialized in the card game Hanafuda.Famous Birthday: Ray Charles (Legendary Singer / Pianist), 1930 - 2004

According to CNN, crowds of "yellow vest" protesters gathered on Saturday in Paris for a fifth consecutive weekend of demonstrations, despite concessions this week by French President Emmanuel Macron...